Radio talk show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger is quitting her syndicated radio program heard on stations around the country.

Schlessinger made the announcement Tuesday during an appearance on "Larry King Live" on CNN. The 30-year radio veteran said her contract expires at the end of the year, and she does not want to host the show anymore.

"I want to be able to say what's on my mind and in my heart and what I think is helpful and useful without somebody getting angry - some special interest group deciding this is a time to silence a voice of dissent and attack affiliates and sponsors," she said.

Her announcement comes on the heels of an incident last week when she said the N-word several times to a caller during one of her shows.

On Aug. 11, Schlessinger explained the context for her comments and apologized to her audience.

"I was attempting to make a philosophical point, and I articulated the N-word all the way out -- more than one time. And that was wrong. I'll say it again -- that was wrong," she said.

Schlessinger told King she "never called anybody a bad word" and "wasn't dissing anybody."

She told King she's not retiring, but will be pursuing other opportunities.